Isiolo leaders discuss security, development in meeting with DP Kindiki

Isiolo is set to benefit from a renewed focus on security and development as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki pledged to address challenges faced by the county.

This follows a meeting held at the DP's official residence in Karen, Nairobi on Wednesday where Kindiki hosted Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo and Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya.

The meeting centred around the urgent need to address the county's insecurity issues, as well as the completion of stalled government projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of residents.

The two Isiolo leaders engaged Kindiki on the ongoing challenges of insecurity and the slow pace of infrastructure development in the county, which they say are hindering the area's economic growth.

Governor Guyo pointed out that insecurity in Isiolo has become a major roadblock to development.

Over the weekend, bandit attacks in Isiolo left three people dead, several injured, and livestock stolen.

"The recent rise in insecurity, especially from bandits and other criminal elements, has deeply affected the day-to-day life of our people and hindered development. We need urgent interventions to stabilise the situation," Guyo pleaded.

The county chief also raised concerns over the delayed operationalisation of the Oldonyiro Sub-County and the lack of progress on key infrastructure projects such as road upgrades and electricity expansion.

DP Kindiki, who previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for the Interior, acknowledged the gravity of the security situation in Isiolo and reiterated the government's commitment to resolving it.

"Security is a key priority for this administration. We have invested heavily in modern security equipment and are strengthening the capacity of our security forces to deal with banditry and terrorism," Kindiki said.

"We are determined to ensure that Isiolo and other affected regions are pacified, allowing for stable conditions conducive to economic growth," he added.

The Deputy President further assured the leaders that the government would make all the gazetted administrative units operational, including the Oldonyiro Sub-County, before the end of the financial year.

"This will bring services closer to the people and improve the delivery of government services in remote areas," he added.

Stalled projects

The issue of stalled development projects also took centre stage during the meeting.

MP Mumina called on the Deputy President to ensure that the ongoing power connectivity projects across the county are completed in a timely manner, along with additional efforts to extend electricity to more remote areas.

"We are seeing progress in some areas, but there is still much more to be done. The electricity projects must be fast-tracked so that all parts of Isiolo can benefit," she said

The leaders also pushed for the completion of road projects, particularly in Isiolo town, where they argued that poor road conditions are hurting local businesses and residents.

"The roads within the CBD need to be tarmacked, and we also need at least 10 more kilometres of road to be paved to cover more areas," Mumina said.

Another key issue raised was the need to conclude the recruitment of the National Police Reservists (NPR), a move that could enhance local security, especially in the face of escalating crime.

"We need more personnel to help deal with the escalating insecurity, especially after the recent surge in attacks," Governor Guyo said

In his response, DP Kindiki pledged to follow up on these concerns and ensure that development projects are concluded promptly.

He noted that the government was fully committed to providing essential services nationwide, including in Isiolo.

"President William Ruto and I are working tirelessly to ensure that every part of the country, including Isiolo, gets the attention it deserves in terms of development and security," Kindiki said.

Kindiki also said Isiolo would be one of the first counties on his upcoming development tour.

"We are committed to ensuring that these projects are completed, and we will continue working together with the local leadership to ensure Isiolo's development," he pledged.